Castelli has expanded the range of garments that feature Polartec AirCore technology, with the launch of the Espresso 2 glove and shoecover.
Following its introduction of AirCore in the Perfetto RoS 3 and Alpha 150 jackets, the brand’s move further integrates AirCore, which is designed to be lightweight, breathable, windproof, and water repellent.
With the Espresso 2 glove, Castelli has integrated Polartec AirCore on the back of hand to provide an outer layer that is windproof, water repellent and breathable, and paired it with a PrimaLoft insulation on the inner to keep cyclists warm and protected from the elements.
The design has been complemented with the inclusion of a long YKK zipper which curves to the base of the thumb to open the glove and make it easy to pull on and off in cold conditions.
Reflective inserts have been adorned on the back of hand for added visibility, while an engineered silicone print on the palm provides grip, and touchscreen inserts on the fingertips add a further practical dimension, making the Espresso 2 an option in temperatures ranging from 0–10°C (32–50°F).
The Espresso 2 shoecover also utilises Polartec AirCore material. As well as being as being windproof, water repellent, stretchy and as breathable as the Espresso 2 glove, the shoecover features a rear zip protector that prevents rubbing on the Achilles tendon, as well as a Velcro strap under the foot which allows for a quick and easy fit over both road and gravel shoes.
Silicone elastic has also been included on the upper cuff to prevent cold air and water seeping in, with a reflective trim on the back to further enhance visibility. Thanks to its breathability, Castelli notes that this shoecover can be used in temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F) yet still be comfortable when it rises above 12°C (55°F).
Castelli Global Brand Manager Steve Smith said “Not only is Polartec AirCore ticking every box when it comes to being lightweight, highly breathable, windproof and water repellent, it is also highly versatile, meaning we can use it in a whole host of garments.
“Our Espresso collection has always been about bringing together cyclists’ favourite, go-to items, and the Espresso 2 glove and shoecover are the best all-round products we produce in those respective categories. They are both cold weather essentials which strike the ideal balance of performance, comfort and style, and complement the collection perfectly.”
As well as weather-protection properties, Polartec AirCore is 100% free from PFAS-based chemicals and engineered from recycled polyester yarns. It features a tight membrane that shuts out the elements while still allowing air to permeate it.
Polartec AirCore was engineered to be both essentially windproof – letting in an imperceptible amount of air that delivers air permeability of 0.7 cubic feet per minute (CFM) – and waterproof, achieving a hydrostatic pressure test score of 5,000mm.
The Espresso 2 glove and shoecover are both available in black, and in men’s and women’s versions.
